“Then follows the reply, dated Maritzburg, 2nd February:
“‘Sir,—1. I have to direct you to convey to Lieutenant and Adjutant Kershaw, and the surviving members of the corps known as Alston’s Horse, the high sense entertained by the Officer, &c., of the gallant conduct of that corps in the face of overwhelming odds at Isandhlwana on the 22nd of January.
“‘2. It is with deep regret that the Officer, &c., learns of the heavy misfortune which has befallen Lieutenant Kershaw. He wishes to express his appreciation of the way in which that officer handled the remnants of his corps, and to inform him that his name will be forwarded to the proper quarter for the expression of Her Majesty’s pleasure with regard to his services.*
“‘3. I am directed to offer you a commission in any of the volunteer corps now on service in this campaign.—I have, &c.,
(Signed) “‘CHIEF OF THE STAFF.’”
Then comes a letter from Sergeant-Major Jones, gratefully acknowledging the expression of the high opinion of the Officer, &c., and declining the offer of a commission in another volunteer corps.
Next is a private letter from the Officer, &c., offering to recommend Sergeant-Major Jeremy Jones for a commission in the army.
And, finally, a letter from Sergeant-Major Jones to the Officer, &c., gratefully declining the same.
Ernest looked up sharply. The raison d’être of the movement was gone, for he could no longer see, but the habit remained.
* It may be stated here that, if this was ever done, the War Office did not consider Ernest’s service worthy of notice; for he never heard anything more about them.